Penn State Women To Host Recruiting Day – Oct 31, 2009

The Penn State Women will be hosting a recruiting weekend for high school seniors on October 31st for any high school athletes that are interested in playing rugby at the best women’s college rugby program in the country.

“Over the past few years the level of high school rugby has improved dramatically,” said Peter Steinberg, Head Coach of the Penn State Women. “We already have players from around the country that came to Penn State for rugby. Players are now making their college decision based on rugby, and we want to give these athletes a chance to see Penn State, learn about the program and the University.”

The Penn State Women’s Team is the most successful women’s program in the country. Penn State has won 5 National Titles and has been to 11 of the last 12 National Championship games. “If you come to Penn State you will have a chance to play for a National Title” Steinberg said. The program is strongly supported by the University and is designated a “team sport” within the Athletic Department. Team sports status enables rugby to have two full-time Directors of Rugby, varsity athlete health insurance, full medical and trainer support, admissions and financial aid support, and access to facilities including the varsity athlete weight room.

“Being part of one of the elite collegiate athletic departments in the country gives the rugby student-athletes access to world class support and is critical for the team’s success on and off the pitch” says Peter Baggetta, Assistant Director of Rugby.

Penn State is not only an elite women’s collegiate program in the country; it is also one of the elite academic public Universities. Penn State is ranked

* #1 in Fulbright scholars
* #4 for National Science Foundation Funding
* #7 in Top US Universities by Washington Monthly
* #15 US Public University by US News and Report

“Penn State is a very strong academic institution and the students get a world-class education,” said Dayna Wenger, Manager of Team Sports. “Rugby can offer support for the student athletes, both during the admissions process and when they get to campus.”

Athletes that are interested in attending Penn State and playing rugby will have their applications tagged as incoming athletes and will get the best possible chance of being admitted. Once the student-athlete is admitted they will be entered into the rugby academic advisor program, where rugby players get additional support from Penn State Faculty.

“We believe in our tag-line – Building Champions-Shaping Futures,” said Baggetta. “We support our student athletes when they are at Penn State, and then we have 1500 rugby alumni that can offer support once they graduate. Penn State Rugby is a lifetime experience.”

Seniors in High School are encouraged to attend the Penn State Women’s Rugby Recruiting Day on October 31st. They will meet the team, get a tour of campus, understand the admissions process and meet the coaches. The recruiting day starts at 10am on Saturday, and players can be hosted for the weekend. Parents are encouraged to join the recruits for the weekend. If you are interested in attending please complete the registration form at:

http://www.attackingrugby.com/RecruitWeekend.html

For more information about the Penn State Women’s team, please email Peter Steinberg.

For more information and news about Penn State Rugby please go to www.psurugby.org